The 29th Jones Cup in Taipei would surely be memorable to Team Pilipinas, its supporters, and detractors alike. Both the wins and the losses were surprising; a testament to where the team is at in terms of readiness for the Tokushima joust.

Highlights:

Head Coach Chot Reyes was expecting a humble fourth place finish but instead faired better with third place.He also made history by being the first coach to be thrown out of the court in 10 years.Coach Palma of Jordan bags the Most Confident Coach award.While the Iranian coach takes home the Most Bewildered Coach award.The Korean Coach was definitely the Homecoming King with his pressed suit and smart shoes.Jimmy Alapag and Mark Caguioa obliged every team that engaged them in a shoot out and so do Sean Chen and Lin of Taipei.All teams claim to have “another player” back home each time they lose.Half breed and neutralized players are the rage in Asia.The Chinese Taipei crowd made it known that the basketball court is their church and their players the saints.Young Japan and Kazakhstan embarrassed the big boys of Team Pilipinas making them look like tired grandfathers.Team Qatar believed they could fly and touch the sky.El Khatib and his long long shorts and side burns take home the Most Suave Man award.Jayjay Helterbrand and Korean point guard Kim share the Most Artistic player award with their huge tattoos.The Japanese players take home the Best Hair and brow award.Tsen of Taipei is not a samurai.Korean center Ha wins the Best Smile award together with his red mouth piece.Anthony Suntay of ESPN did not know who Tien Lei was. *gasps*